Public Service
Louis S. Viverito is an individual committed to serving his state and country. He is a three-time decorated Korean War
veteran and a dedicated public servant. He began his career of seving others in 1969 when he was elected the
Stickney Township Democratic Committeeman. He then served as a Delegate in the 1972 Democratic National
Convention.
In 1973, Senator Viverito was elected to his current occupation of both Supervisor of Stickney Township and
Chairman of the township's Public Health District. Just a few years later, he expanded his township work to include
serving as the Secretary-Treasurer and Vice-President of the Cook County Township Supervisor's Association from
1976-1977.
Senator Viverito also served as Commissioner of the Metropolitan Sanitary District of Greater Chicago (now the Water
Reclamation District) from 1980-1986. The following year, he was appointed a member of the Cook County Zoning of
Appeals. Senator Viverito held that position until his resignation in January of 1995, following his election in 1994 as a
State Senator.
Viverito is active in many community organizations. His positions include Local Chairman of the Chicago Lung
Association and former Chairman of the Burbank Chamber of Commerce. Currently, Viverito is an associate member
for the Crisis Center of South Suburbia for Abused Women, a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, a member
of the American Legion and a former member of the Moraine Valley Community College Economic Development Board.
Senate Career
Viverito was elected in 1994 as State Senator. Senator Viverito has served as Minority Whip for the Senate
Democratic Caucus in the 91st General Assembly. In the 92nd General Assembly, he served as Assistant Democratic
Leader. In 2001, he was selected to serve as Assistant Majority Leader.
As a member of the 96th General Assembly, Senator Viverito serves on the following committees: Committee of the
Whole; Assignments; Revenue (Chairperson); State Government & Veterans Affairs; Elections; Executive
Appointments; Subcommittee on Election Reform.
Over the years, Senator Viverito has sponsored bills that have improved the quality of life and safety in local
communities. He has sponsored legislation to allow townships, either on their own or in conjunction with other units of
local government, to establish primary care health facilities for their citizens. As well, Senator Viverito sponsored a bill
raising the eligibility threshold for senior citizens qualifying for the senior citizens property tax assessment freeze. This
law helps more individuals qualify for an assessment freeze by raising the income threshold from $35,000 to $40,000.
This caps the annual increases on the property tax assessment of the homes of individuals 65 years or older who
have applied for the freeze.
Viverito was named Democratic Legislator of the Year in 2000 by the Illinois State Crime Commission and Outstanding
Legislator in 1999 by the Illinois Health Care Association.
Personal Life
Born and raised on the south side of Chicago in the working class enclave of Bridgeport, Louis S. Viverito was the
oldest of five children. His father, a truck driver,, and mother, a housewife struggled to make ends meet at their home
at 3310 S. Parnell Ave., and successfully instilled the working-class values of hard work, dedication and respect in
their children. Lou attended McClellan Grammar School and Tilden Tech High School, then went on to a trade school.
Lou married his wife, Carolyn (Strobl), and shortly thereafter answered the call from his country and served in the
Korean War. A three-time decorated veteran, Viverito's colleagues will agree that he has brought his patriotism,
dedication, and appreciation for his fellow serviceman and women to the Senate floor.
After he was discharged from the service, Lou and Carolyn settled in what was then unincorporated Cook County (now
Burbank), where they raised a son and two daughters, and still live there today. They are also the proud
grandparents of five grandsons.
A strong believer that public services is a noble profession, Viverito's commitment to country and community have
spanned four decades.
Awards
Over the years, Senator Viverito has been the recipient of numerous awards and citations for his strong community
work, including "Man of the Year" by the Joint Civic Committee of Italian- Americans and an induction into the
Valentine Boys and Girls Club Hall of Fame. The Burbank-Bridgeview Lions Club, the Boy Scouts of America, and the
Stickney Senior Citizen's Council on Aging are amongst the many groups that have commended Senator Viverito for
his efforts.
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